Japan cleared to receive AIM-120C-7

SENIOR MEMBER

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), at an estimated cost of USD33 million.

On 12 December, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress of the proposed sale, which it described as consistent with US objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Co-operation and Security between the US and Japan.

The missiles were required for "national defence, regional security, inventory modernisation, and US interoperability", said the DSCA. The agency added that the new missiles would enhance the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF's) ability to defend Japanese territory and protect critical Japanese and US installations.